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What to look out for when buying a sofa set

Before making a purchase, test the sofa in-store to assess its comfort level. Sit on it and feel it. Look for a balance between softness and firmness that suits your preferences. Pay attention to the quality of cushions and support systems. PHOTO | PROMISE TWINAMUKYE.

What you need to know:

  • Investing in a quality sofa may require a higher initial cost, but it pays off in the long run through durability and comfort. High-quality sofas are designed to withstand daily use and maintain their appearance over time

Have you been living with the same sofa set for more than a decade? If so, it might be time for an upgrade. Whether you are ready to embrace the New Year with a fresh look or you are moving into a new home, choosing the right sofa set is essential. 

A sofa is not just a piece of furniture it is the centrepiece of your living space that reflects your style and comfort needs. Here are seven key factors to consider when selecting the perfect sofa set for your home. 

The size of your space

When it comes to selecting a new sofa set, the size of your living space is crucial. I once visited a friend’s home that featured a majestic bed, truly a statement piece. However, there was one significant problem; it took up nearly all the space in her bedroom, the lack of walking space made her bedroom feel quite cramped. You do not want a similar scenario in your living room. A living room is an active space where you spend quality time with family and host guests. The last thing you want is to feel restricted by oversized furniture.

Max Misoga an interior design expert and general manager at Dogtas Exclusive suggests that before you start shopping, measure your living area. This will help ensure that your new sofa fits comfortably without overcrowding the room. Also when making measurements make sure to account for pathways and clearance around the sofa to allow for easy movement. If you live in a studio apartment, consider an L-shaped couch, or just a three seater with one single seater instead of a whole set. Misoga says you can opt for a slipper chair. Conversely, if you have a large living area, avoid small furniture. A large space with small furniture can create an unbalanced look.

Style and design

When selecting a sofa, you might prefer a big, bulky design or a cute, minimalist style. The sofa should reflect your personal taste while fitting seamlessly into the overall design of your living room. According to Beatrice Kabahuma, an interior designer from Nina Interiors Limited, there are three main sofa styles to consider; traditional/classic, modern, and contemporary.

Traditional/classical style

Traditional sofas are characterised by their timeless designs and intricate details. They often include features such as rolled arms and deep button tufting. A typical arrangement might consist of a three-seater sofa paired with two single chairs.

Modern style

Modern sofas emphasise minimalism in their design. Examples include L-shaped sofas, recliners, and sofas with swivel chairs. These pieces often feature clean lines and functional forms that prioritise comfort.

Contemporary style

Contemporary sofas are unique and often incorporate bold colours, patterns, and textures that may not traditionally match but come together harmoniously. For instance, you might find a classic sofa design paired with chairs in contrasting colours, a technique known as colour blocking, that gives it a contemporary flair. Each of these styles differs in terms of texture, design, and fabric used. For a harmonious look, ensure that other furniture pieces in your living room blend well with your chosen sofa style. 

Colour and pattern

When choosing a sofa, your colour selection should primarily reflect your personal preference while complementing your existing décor.

“Do not just select a colour because it is trending, your home is your personal space. Personalise it by selecting a sofa in the colour you love. While selecting a colour, also take into consideration the hues of your curtains, flooring, and walls. For example, if a client mentions that their walls are grey or beige, they might prefer a sofa that blends well with those colours,” interior designer Kabahuma from Nina Interiors Limited advises.

“Darker-coloured sofas are easier to maintain. In contrast, lighter colours such as cream and beige are popular abroad because they blend seamlessly with various wall colours. We used to import in more of the cream and beige but the dust factor directed us more towards the darker shades.”

Patterns matter

Patterned fabrics can add character to your living room. However, as Kabahuma notes, the general rule of thumb is that you cannot have patterns on everything that is chairs, curtains, and flooring all at once, because that will create a busy living room. A balanced approach could involve choosing a plain sofa paired with a patterned carpet to introduce character without overwhelming the space. 

Material and upholstery

Material matters as well, choose materials that align with your lifestyle. Also, consider how different fabrics react to light and their resistance to stains. For instance, if you have pets or children, opt for durable, easy-to-clean fabrics. There are several materials available on the market, including velvet, leather, and classic upholstery options. One popular choice is microfibre. Misoga recommends it because it is not only durable but it is also easy to maintain. Microfibre is water-resistant, when a liquid spills onto the fabric, it will float rather than soak in. In case of a stain, simply wipe it away with a wet cloth immediately. Suede is a good option as well, while suede may be more affordable than microfibre, its maintenance can be more tasking. 

Although leather is often seen as an ideal choice for its longevity and ease of cleaning, Misoga cautions that it may not be suitable for hot tropical climates like ours.

“When it is hot, leather expands and becomes warm, when it is cold, leather feels cold as well. You are better off with microfibre. There is also another material called Rattan, it is excellent for outdoor furniture due to its UV light and rain resistance. You can leave your chairs outside during the holidays and find them in good shape when you return,” Misoga notes. 

Mechanism 

The mechanism of a sofa refers to its construction what it is made of, how it was made, and the materials used. Proper mechanism according to Misoga is what determines both the durability and comfortability of the chair. According to Misoga, a proper mechanism is crucial for determining both the durability and comfort of the chair. A good chair should feature a hybrid model mechanism. In this design, a spring system is inserted at the bottom, followed by three layers of memory foam on top. This combination promotes comfort while ensuring support.